Well, this isn’t a trip related entry at all.  But I thought I should put more up on the issues I’ve been experiencing, and links for folks looking for information.  I had a friend point out to me last night that my Blog was coming up as a top hit on Google regarding Eosinophillic Esophogitis and Eosinophillic Gastroenteritis (EE & EG going forward).  With that in mind, I wanted a bigger post on it with more resources from others who are dealing with it.  If folks are going to get directed here I’d better provide some good information.

As I’ve been searching the web I have found more resources, so here’s a list for your reference:

• Wegeworld’s EG information.  This is the first site I read, and it was helpful in learning about my troubles with EE & EG!
• Adult Yahoo Group on EG.  This Yahoo group has been invaluable.  I’ve learned what others have and are experiencing!
• Cured Foundation.  This was set up by a person who has a family member dealing with Eosinophillic issues!  You should really take a look here!  It’s worth a visit.  It also tells me there is a hope to find an answer beyond just the steroids I’m on.

I’ll add more links as time permits.  I think those three are a great starting point, and all offer additional resources and links as well.  Why reproduce what others have done well?  Also, I’ll be adding a permanent page on EE & EG, and as I find more information I’ll add it to the permanent page section.
What’s my experience been with EE & EG?  Well, I’ve been dealing with it for well over a year.  Weaved in and out of my blog I’ve described some of my symptoms.  The big ones I have listed below.  But take a look through all the blog entries regarding EE & EG, and you’ll get more of a feel.

1. Severe abdominal cramping. The kind of stuff that makes you think, “This is what an exploded appendix must feel like.” This is caused by the EG.
2. Dizzy spells that can drop a horse.
3. Tightness in my throat, and occasional breathing issues. This is a symptom of the EE.
4. Severe reflux, the kind that makes you sit up straight in the middle of the night. Easily confused with, “This is what a heart attack must feel like.” The EE causes the reflux.
5. Feeling like my throat is closing (had that happen a few weeks ago at a Nissan Dealership).
6. Burning eyes, itchy throat, standard allergy junk.
7. Bathroom issues (won’t get into detail) 
8. Many more annoyances, not worth listing all here…..got the highlights covered.

I’ll develop this entry and a full page on it in time.  Just wanted it up now for those visitors who are popping in on a random search.

But you’re on the road….what gives?

I’m willing to bet readers are wondering what the heck I’m doing out on the road if I’m not feeling 100%.  It’s a good question, and I’ll try to answer it now.

I really started feeling super sick in February of 2005.  I mean super sick.  I spent the spring visiting doctors who blew me off, and asked if I had lots of stress.  They were pointing me in the direction of an anxiety issue.

I ended up in the ER twice.  Chest pain, pushing feelings in my chest, dizzy spells, etc.  That was a terrifying experience for a guy who is really scared of doctors (not any more).  I had tons of blood work through 2005, and no answers.  My red counts, white counts, and eosinophils were always high with no explanation.

Finally I started seeing a counselor for anxiety.  I’d gotten so bad with dizzy spells and discomfort that I didn’t want to drive.  I always felt on edge, and even good days were a struggle.  Without a doubt, I was a train wreck.  It was so unlike me.

Once I found a competent physician who listened to me, we started working things out.  I felt better than earlier, but not perfect.  I could drive again and not feel super uncomfortable.  It was progress.

When my soon to be ex said divorce, I didn’t know what to do at first.  Newly diagnosed, trying out steroids, learning about all my allergies (never had them before), and eradicating the bulk of my diet were all things I was dealing with.  I was informed a drier climate might help.  With all that in my head, I decided to take my trip (always wanted to do one with my wife and pups) and search for a new place to live.  So, here I am!

I won’t live in the trailer forever.  The book an side work consulting isn’t a permanent way to make a living.  I’d like to build networks again, as it’s fun.  But for the moment I see no sense in taking a job somewhere that might add to the aggrevations I’ve had physically.  If I can find a place that really works with me, that minimizes my reactions, then I should make every effort to find it.  Who wants to hire someone who will be sick several weeks a year due to allergic reactions?

I also wanted to do this trip to prove to myself I can.  I literally felt like I couldn’t drive last year.  I was trapped in my own home. Even when people went with me, I was scared to leave home.  I kept track in my mind of where the nearest hospital was if we were going somewhere far.  It was a rotten and intolerable way to live.  I hated it.

Now that I can get around, I want to make up for losing a year of my life to mis-diagnosis, being ignored, and losing my confidence in myself.  On my way to repairing all of that.

And yes, I do worry about feeling as bad as I did last year while out here on my own.  But now that I know what’s happening, I know how to manage it.  Several times since I’ve left New England I’ve felt horrible and alone.  Now I know what to do though, so it won’t back me into a corner with fear again.  Not going to let it.
Finally, I keep telling myself, “If you don’t do it today, when will you do it?”